Phineas and Ferb co-creator Dan Povenmire will visit RIT to share stories from his animation career during Brick City Weekend this October

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology’s highly anticipated Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend is fast approaching, bringing with it a packed schedule of events, a wave of school spirit, and some familiar faces from the world of entertainment. Set for October 17-19, this annual celebration is expected to attract thousands of alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and retirees back to campus for three days filled with activities, performances, and campus pride.

One of the most talked-about highlights of this year’s lineup is the appearance of Emmy-winning animation legend Dan Povenmire. Known around the world as the co-creator and executive producer of Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, Povenmire has had a remarkable career in television animation, and his influence reaches well beyond the show’s catchy musical numbers and inventive plots. Not only does he voice the fan-favorite villain Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, but he has also built a massive following on social media, with over 7 million fans on TikTok and Instagram.

Povenmire’s keynote appearance is scheduled for the afternoon of October 18 at RIT’s Gordon Field House and Activities Center, where he’s expected to share stories from his 25-plus years in animation, as well as insights on creativity, resilience, and the surprising ways a cartoon about two inventive stepbrothers can connect with audiences of all ages.

“From comedian Craig Robinson to Emmy-winner Dan Povenmire, hockey and family-friendly events, this year’s Brick City Weekend offers something for everyone,” said Lisa Stein, executive director for events and conferences at RIT. “It’s a fun and vibrant celebration that brings together the entire RIT community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families alike.”

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Povenmire’s career is a testament to the power of persistence in the world of animation. Before Phineas and Ferb became a global phenomenon, he honed his skills as a director, storyboard artist, and writer on some of the most popular animated series in TV history. His resume reads like a greatest hits list of American animation: Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, Rocko’s Modern Life, and Hey Arnold! are just a few of the iconic shows that feature his creative fingerprints. More recently, Povenmire has expanded his storytelling talents with Disney’s Hamster & Gretel, a superhero-themed animated series where he once again wears multiple hats as creator, writer, and producer.

But Povenmire is far from the only entertainment highlight planned for the weekend. On October 17, the festivities will kick off with an evening performance by comedian, actor, and musician Craig Robinson. Best known for his memorable role as Darryl Philbin on NBC’s The Office, Robinson is currently starring in and producing Peacock’s comedy series Killing It. His appearance promises an evening filled with laughter and music, setting the tone for a weekend dedicated to connection, celebration, and community.

Sports fans will also have plenty to cheer for during Brick City Weekend. Men’s hockey faces off against Clarkson at Blue Cross Arena on October 18, while RIT’s women’s hockey team will take on St. Lawrence in a pair of games at the Gene Polisseni Center. These events are expected to draw large and enthusiastic crowds, continuing a tradition of high-energy competition as part of the weekend festivities.

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Throughout the three days, attendees can also enjoy a variety of other activities, from campus tours and family-friendly entertainment to musical performances and networking events. The weekend serves as a powerful reminder of RIT’s strong sense of community, where past and present Tigers come together to celebrate both tradition and innovation.

Tickets for all events will be available starting in August through the official Brick City Weekend website. With such a diverse and exciting schedule ahead, the university is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors back to campus for what promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity, connection, and Tiger pride.